Anyone besides the commercial builders put decals on for a personalized touch. From what I have been reading water slides are a good choice in that they are easy to position. I've also read some fellas having issues with them.Not opaque enough.Waves in the finish applied over the decal. I myself would like to be able to put my name or names of my friends and family when I build a rod for them. Maybe even a fish decal.Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanx,

Scott

Visit Decal Connection.......

Visit Decal Connection.......

+1

Always fast, inexpensive and ALWAYS top quality.  

The "new water slide" material is so easy that it's practically idiot proof.  Buy the "setting agent" for like $4 and it is super easy.  You have time to adjust for straightness and work out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Decal Connection is one of very few "absolutes" in the rod building world.

Buy the "setting agent" for like $4 and it is super easy.  You have time to adjust for straightness and work out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Would that be the, Micro Sol Setting Solution or Micro Set Solvent Solution?

Micro set is actually the setting solution that allows you to adjust the decal.

Here is the order description:

Micro Set  

Micro Set is a very versatile decal setting solution that does several things to the decal to improve application. Micro Set should be applied to the surface of the model where you will be sliding off the decal. Micro Set prepares the surface with special wetting agents that cuts the oils in new paint and converts the adhesive on the back of the decal to a stronger and more lasting one. And finally, Micro Set slightly softens the decals film to make it more flexible so that it can conform better to the model's surface. Better adhesion by the decal to the model prevents tiny air bells from occurring and results in an invisible carrier film or the so called 'painted on look'.

i use waterslide i got off ebay. I've had problems with the inkjet versions leaving waves in the finish... however a 2nd coat and its not noticeable.

I used the laserjet clear waterslide last time and i feel those work a lot better... it helps if you have a non-black background to put the clear ones  on.

i have some pics but can't post 'em until i get a few more posts

Visit Decal Connection.......

Thanks.

My stuff arrived today so I'll be laminating the cork rings.Already found and marked the spine on my blank and prepped the guides. ;D

Well here's what I came up with from Flechero's lathe pics.

Looks better than my first try! What is the mandrel made from? The key is getting a mandrel that spins true. I had trouble at on my initial attempt because they first drill had the chuck out of true. When I realized that, I switched drills and have been turning away ever since. I still bounce back and forth on "lathes" and the drill press, depending on the job at hand.

Keep it up, you'll be in production mode in no time!

edited to add:  does your drill have the trigger lock?  (to keep it on?)  If not, you'll want to make one with a little clamp or something... you definately want two hands for shaping the grip.

The mandrel was an old carbon hunting arrow.It flexed too much so I ditched it in favor of a steel rod.It spins extremely true.I'm just gonna use good old duct tape to hold the trigger back.I also drilled a 1 1/2" hole through my work bench and through the middle of the foundation

of the jig and ramed the end of my shopvac hose up about 3'' away from where I'm sanding my handle.Works slick!

Sounds like you got it figured out pretty well!  I still make adjustments every few grips... from dust collection to tool rests, etc.  Half the fun for me is the process.  

If you ever need help, don't hesitate to post or PM.

Keith

Sounds like you got it figured out pretty well! I still make adjustments every few grips... from dust collection to tool rests, etc. Half the fun for me is the process.

If you ever need help, don't hesitate to post or PM.

Keith[/quote

Thanks Keith I appreciate that.

Hopefully I'll have some pics tommorrow of a dry fit up run on the handle.My reamer was back ordered. So that was a bit more of a pain.I was going to order some grit to glue on a tapered dowel and spaced that out :

Scott